Roosters roasted by red hot Canberra

The Canberra Raiders have put in a sensational performance to run away comprehensive victors 34 to 12 over a Roosters side that for the second time in as many weeks were out-enthused by their less fancied opponents.

Two-try performances to Joel Monaghan and Marshall Chalk have stunned a Roosters side looking to get back on the winner's list. The Raiders combined a mix of stonewall defence, a good kicking game and enterprising movement through their outside backs to run to a 28-0 lead. The Roosters were unable to breach Canberra's defence that was able to contain all of Sydney's big name players, namely Willie Mason.

Canberra had a host of stars in their victory. Alan Tongue was tireless in defence and attack. Halves Todd Carney and Terry Campese provided excellent service and a brilliant long kicking game and Colin Best and Joel Monaghan were always dangerous with ball in hand.

Braith Anasta and Amos Roberts claimed consolation tries for the Roosters but it was too little too late for the Bondi club who failed to maintain momentum for any significant period of the match.

Driving rain since the early stages of the game led to some scrappy phases of play at times but it was Canberra's ability to make the most of their opportunities that was the difference between the two sides.

The two points for Canberra see them stay within a sniff of a finals berth whilst the Roosters who remain in fourth place are facing three straight losses as their next opponents are the table-topping Sea Eagles.